George Rankin
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George Rankin DSO & Bar, VD |
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| Member of the Australian Parliament for Bendigo |
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In office 23 October 1937 – 31 October 1949 |
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| Preceded by | Eric Harrison |
| Succeeded by | Percy Clarey |
| Senator for Victoria | |
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In office 22 February 1950 – 30 June 1956 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
1 May 1887 Bamawm, Victoria |
| Died | 28 December 1957 (aged 70) Rochester, Victoria |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | Australian Country Party |
| Spouse(s) | Annie Isabella Oliver |
| Occupation | Soldier |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/branch | Citizens Military Force |
| Years of service | 1907–1944 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands |
2nd Cavalry Division (1936–41) 5th Cavalry Brigade (1926–31, 1933–36) 17th Light Horse Regiment (1920–23) 4th Light Horse Regiment (1919) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Order & Bar Mentioned in Despatches (2) Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration |
Major General George James Rankin, DSO & Bar, VD (1 May 1887 – 28 December 1957) was an Australian soldier and politician. He served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, representing the Country Party of Australia.
Rankin was born at Bamawm, Victoria, the tenth child of Irish farmer James Rankin and Sarah, née Gallagher. He attended the local state school and became a farmer. In 1907, he joined the Militia, and was commissioned in the 9th Light Horse Regiment in 1909. He married Annie Isabella Oliver at Rochester, Victoria on 7 July 1912. In 1914, he was appointed a lieutenant of the Australian Imperial Force and posted to the 4th Light Horse Regiment.
Rankin served in the 4th Light Horse Regiment and reached Gallipoli in May 1915, was wounded in July, became a captain in December, and a major in March 1916. He also served in the Sinai, and was second in command of his unit from August 1917. Rankin was present at the famous charge at Beersheba on 31 October, and in 1918 was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his gallantry. His leadership subsequently earned him a Bar to his DSO.
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